From a 33-year-old mother learning her ABCs alongside her child to a visually impaired lawyer returning to his alma mater as a keynote speaker, this year’s graduation season has become a powerful showcase of resilience and determination.
The Department of Education (DepEd) highlighted these milestones as living proof that age, disability, and circumstance are not barriers to learning and self-improvement.
“These graduates show that education is a lifelong journey, and our schools remain open to every Filipino who dares to dream, no matter where they begin,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
In Boston, Davao Oriental, 33-year-old laborer Lenivie Latiban received her Kindergarten certificate from Buko-Buko Elementary School alongside one of her three children.
Latiban, who earns a living through abaca hauling and copra production, enrolled with a simple goal: to read messages on her phone and help guide her children in their studies.
Despite the demands of her work, she attended classes with her child and dedicated time to learning before heading to her daily labor. She expressed gratitude to her teachers for their patience and support, as she now hopes to continue and complete elementary education.
In General Santos City, Atty. Martsu Ressan Ladia returned to his former school, General Santos City SPED Integrated School, as keynote speaker during its Senior High School graduation ceremonies.
Living with partial blindness, Ladia overcame visual impairment and childhood bullying to earn his law degree from Mindanao State University–General Santos City in 2023 and pass the Bar Examinations.
A former SNED learner, Ladia shared that embracing his challenges became a source of strength that pushed him to rise above adversity. His presence on stage stood as a powerful reminder of perseverance and purpose.
His story was echoed by graduates like Jann Anthony Gabutan, a SNED learner with an orthopedic disability, who proudly crossed the stage in his wheelchair to receive his diploma, greeted by a moment of celebration and joy.
DepEd emphasized that these achievements reflect the enduring value of community support in education, where teachers, families, and peers work together to help learners overcome limitations.
These stories affirm that schools remain spaces of second chances, broken barriers, and renewed hope.
